Principal Doug Braschler to retire

After 32 years of teaching, coaching, and being the principal here at Hamilton High, Mr. Doug Braschler has decided to retire. He made the announcement at the December board meeting, early enough to ensure a smooth transition from to the next principal.

Hamilton’s first superintendent Dr. Ray Lokers (left), shakes hands with retiring Hamilton High School Principal Doug Braschler before speaking to students and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in honor of Veterans Day on Nov. 11, 2014.

“My career hopefully will be defined as someone who cared about kids, and who wanted to make a difference in their lives,” Mr. Braschler said.

The South Haven native said he has had many great memories here in Hamilton, including watching his own sons grow up in this community and seeing them graduate as Hawkeyes. Although he loved every step of his career in Hamilton, coaching was his all-time favorite.

One of the most memorable stories from coaching, was the creation of the Hawkeye logo. When he arrived in the 1980s, the logo was very similar to the Iowa Hawkeyes. After being sued by the University of Iowa, the high school decided we had to change the logo. Hamilton conducted a contest to have people from the community create a Hawkeye logo and have the students choose which one they liked best. It came down to three finalists, Mr. Losik, a Hamilton senior, and an alumni. The senior’s drawing became the Hawkeye we know today.

“I don’t view this as my last year, but as my next year,” he says.

Mr. Braschler has high hopes for the continuation of #HTownStrong. He believes that when he comes back in 30 years with a cane, there will still be the same compassion for others running through the school. He wants teachers to have the best experience with kids, and kids to have the best experience with teachers.

During his retirement, he hopes to fish, hang out around his pool, get in shape, and relax. Most importantly, he hopes to spend his free time with kids and around the community. He would love to get involved in helping out at Pioneer Tech, or any way else that he can.

He may not be the principal next year, but his influence will still be felt in Hamilton.

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